Jeff Brills, a carpet-cleaning expert and owner of Ritzy Clean, offers tips on how to effectively clean spills from carpeting.
- The first step in most carpet-cleaning situations is to blot--not rub--the spill with clean, white, absorbent materials such as towels, napkins or tissues. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibers. After blotting the spot, apply a solution of alcohol, ammonia or vinegar. Rinse with hot water from a spray bottle. Extract it with a wet/dry shop vacuum cleaner and use a blow dryer or fan to dry. If you don't have a shop vacuum cleaner, then blot.
- Rubbing the spot only spreads the stain and makes a bigger mess. If you're using a cleaning solution, use small amounts and blot frequently. Work from the outer edge of the spot toward the center to prevent rings. Always test any cleaning solution in a hidden area first to make sure it won't discolor the carpet.
- If the spill is solid or composed of built-up materials, try to remove the bulk of it with a rounded tablespoon, spatula or the edge of a dull knife. Break up the soil and vacuum away the loose pieces before attacking the rest of the stain.
Common Carpet Cleaners
- Use alcohol or neutral spirits.
- Make an ammonia solution with one tablespoon of clear household ammonia and 1/2 cup water.
- Mix 1/3 cup white household vinegar with 2/3 cup water to make a vinegar solution.
- Harden chewing gum with an ice cube, or spray some professional gum remover (available at janitorial supply stores) until it is brittle enough to scrape off with a dull knife or spatula. Apply dry-cleaning solvent, which is available at most hardware stores, to remove remaining traces.
- To clean up a spill from a soft drink that contains red dye, start by blotting it first, then immediately calling a carpet-cleaning professional. If it doesn't contain red dye, continue blotting.
- For mud spills, brush or scrape off as much as possible, then clean.
